In late November and early December, our Managing Director, Allan McGill, embarked on a nationwide tour of our offices as part of a staff engagement initiative. With a final stop in Belfast scheduled for early in the new year, the roadshow has been a valuable opportunity to connect with teams, promote transparency, and reinforce Wallace Whittle’s commitment to collaboration and quality.

Early Career Conversations and Leadership Meetings

Each visit began with a focused session for employees who have joined Wallace Whittle in the past six months. Over lunch, Allan heard their impressions of the company, gathered feedback, and discussed their initial experiences. These conversations are instrumental in shaping how we support and integrate new team members across the business, especially our younger staff members and apprentices.  

The roadshow also included strategic discussions with each office’s leadership team and management. Allan met with Location Directors to ensure operational efficiency and to address any region-specific needs. This leadership engagement allowed for open, proactive discussions on challenges and opportunities within individual offices, ensuring every team is well-supported. 

Spotlight on ESG

Alongside Allan’s briefings, staff had the opportunity to attend an engaging presentation by Nick Hayes, our ESG & Sustainability Director. Nick provided invaluable insights into the growing importance of ESG considerations in the built environment.

The session also highlighted PathWWay, our upcoming digital platform designed to support our clients with innovative, data-driven ESG solutions and how ESG principles integrate seamlessly with our MEP services to deliver sustainable, high-quality outcomes for our clients. 

These discussions underscored the importance of staying at the forefront of sustainability, innovation, and digital advancements in our industry. Nick’s presentation was met with enthusiasm, sparking important conversations about how we can better support clients and continue to drive positive change. 

During the staff briefings, Allan outlined key updates, business performance highlights, and upcoming initiatives that will shape the future of Wallace Whittle. In an open-floor Q&A session, staff were invited to ask questions, share feedback, and engage in dialogue. 

“This roadshow has been an invaluable opportunity to meet with our teams face-to-face, celebrate successes, and gain insight into how we can continue to grow. Wallace Whittle is built on collaboration, and these discussions help ensure that we’re aligned and focused on delivering excellence.” – Allan McGill, Managing Director

These sessions reflect our commitment to transparency and teamwork as we continue to build a strong, connected, and forward-thinking business. 

As Wallace Whittle concludes this year’s roadshow and prepares for an exciting year ahead, our focus remains on collaboration, innovation, and delivering sustainable, high-quality solutions for our clients. 

Across the three levels that attended the training, we welcomed over 70 staff from our 8 UK offices to participate in sessions focused on leadership, collaboration, cross-discipline communication and with additional external sessions our staff were able to ask questions and delve deeper into the intricacies of collaboration across sectors.  

Since the launch of WW:Academy in 2022, we have supported many of our staff across four levels, with two-day sessions twice a year, that are designed to go beyond technical CPD sessions, focusing on larger overarching topics such as leadership development, collaboration, and fostering industry connections. Each level within our academy is tailored according to the career stage of our staff, from juniors to our future leaders.  

“I think what’s been especially great this time is the increase in participation. We’ve focused on fostering high levels of communication and integrating that effectively with the rest of the design team. This approach has brought significant benefits – engaging in meaningful conversations, conducting workshops, and accomplishing tasks collaboratively.” Raymond Kelly, our Quality & Standardisation Manager, shared.  

As part of our commitment to excellence, we welcomed external experts to join our Academy sessions providing invaluable industry insights and allowing for meaningful discussions. including Building Control specialists Assent, HFD Property Group, and structural engineering consultancy Will Rudd Associates. 

At our Level 2 and Level 3 sessions, Jennifer Barrett of Assent led a session on the vital role that regulations play throughout the design process. Her session provided attendees with an understanding of regulatory frameworks, emphasising their impact from concept through to project completion. By exploring real-world scenarios, Jennifer shed light on how proactive engagement with building control can streamline project workflows, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance without necessarily compromising design.  

Stephen Lewis, Managing Director of HFD Property Group, delivered presentations across all three Academy levels. His sessions offered an insider’s perspective on client expectations and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends. Stephen highlighted how prioritising quality, operational efficiency, and future proofing is essential not only for meeting current demands but also for creating sustainable, resilient designs that stand the test of time. He challenged our attendees to adopt a more client-focused approach, sparking discussions on how engineers can better align their work with end-user needs and overarching demands.  

Will Rudd Associates represented by MJ O’Shaughnessy, Alasdair MacPhee, and Gerard Carson, shared invaluable expertise across all levels. Their session emphasised the importance of structural quality as a backbone of successful design. They explored how effective collaboration across disciplines – both internal and external – is fundamental to achieving outstanding results, and aids in risk mitigation. Additionally, the trio underscored the role of open communication in building strong partnerships and ensuring that every team involved in a project is aligned toward a shared vision.  

In addition to our external speakers, this autumn’s Academy sessions featured presentations from internal leaders and staff members.  

Our Managing Director, Allan McGill, delivered a session tailored for our Level 4 attendees, focusing on the principles of business excellence, leadership development, and operational efficiency. Allan emphasised the importance of their roles as future leaders within the company. He also highlighted practical strategies for nurturing and empowering junior staff, fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and innovation across teams, regardless of discipline. This session was pivotal in preparing our senior team members to shape the next generation of talent and drive Wallace Whittle’s long-term success. 

Our new ESG division provided an update on the latest advancements in sustainable design and the company’s evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy. They showcased PathWWay, our digital dashboard designed to empower clients with data-driven insights for creating sustainable, impactful solutions. Beyond technology, the session offered participants a holistic view of sustainability’s role in the built environment, touching on key trends in social governance, and sustainable design. Attendees left with a greater understanding of our new division and how we are integrating sustainability into every stage of our projects.  

Lastly our Marketing Team delivered a presentation on their role in supporting our engineers. They explored how collaboration between technical experts and marketing professionals can elevate internal documents, presentations, and client-facing materials to high and impactful standards. By sharing real-world examples, the team demonstrated how aligning technical expertise with communication enhances the quality of both digital and physical marketing content, underscoring the value of a unified approach, highlighting how effective collaboration drives business success and strengthens our brand presence. 

We concluded each level with a face-to-face session with our Managing Director, Allan McGill, where he outlined plans for the business, new opportunities, upcoming news and opened the floor to questions and feedback. 

During these discussions, Allan outlined the company’s strategic plans, shared insights into exciting new opportunities on the horizon, and previewed upcoming developments that will shape the future of the business. We firmly believe that transparency is the foundation of a thriving workplace as we value building trust, collaboration, and mutual respect across all levels of the organisation. 

With over 25 years of experience in the Living Sector, our work spans the length and breadth of the UK, from landmark developments like Chelsea Bridge Wharf in London to cutting-edge projects that are setting new benchmarks in Build to Rent (BTR) and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). So what’s next in Resi?

To explore the impact of our work on communities and gain insights into the evolving future of the Living Sector, we spoke with Craig Robertson, Director & Head of Residential, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. 

“Our approach to residential development has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by growing demand in key sectors like Build-to-Rent (BTR). These shifts reflect the changing priorities of communities across the UK, and we’ve leveraged our expertise across all areas of the residential sector to stay ahead. By remaining responsive to market trends, we deliver bespoke solutions that address both immediate needs and future goals, helping our clients thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.” 

This sector is constantly evolving, driven by the demands of urban development and the need to address the ongoing housing crisis. At Wallace Whittle, our diverse residential portfolio reflects this growth, featuring standout projects across the UK, including: 

• Battersea Power Station 

• Greenwich Peninsula 

• Elephant Park 

• Candleriggs 

• KAMPUS 

• Wembley Greenway 

• Dyecoats, Leeds 

• Boddingtons  And many more… 

We are actively engaged in residential schemes across the UK, with each of our offices managing regional projects, including developments spanning multiple phases. A prime example is our work at Elephant Park in Elephant & Castle, a multi-phase project extending over a decade, which highlights our broad range of capabilities. 

More recently, our work at Candleriggs in Glasgow reached a significant milestone with the completion of the L&G apartments in June. This Build to Rent scheme is in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City and features a 16-story building with 346 residential apartments and prime retail space for up to six vendors. These projects underscore the growing prioritisation of sustainability and energy efficiency among our clients, who are increasingly seeking design solutions that not only meet immediate needs but align with long-term ESG goals.  

“Sustainability and safety are defining the future of the living sector, and we are already seeing the impacts of new regulations such as the UK Net Zero Carbon (UKNZC) Design Guide and the Future Home Standard. These frameworks emphasise energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, which align closely with our commitment to ESG principles. 

The recent updates to the Building Safety Act in October and the forthcoming Fire Safety Act update this month highlight the importance of safety in design and delivery. To stay ahead, we’ve expanded our ESG and Sustainability offerings, ensuring we provide clients with comprehensive strategies that not only meet compliance but also enhance value.” Craig Robertson shared.

With our recently expanded ESG team, we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of residential development within the UK, with sustainability remaining at the forefront of our strategy. As part of this, we are closely monitoring and engaging with initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Building Standard, which will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable residential design. We spoke to Nick Hayes, our Director of ESG & Sustainability, to get his perspective on how the future of residential development is evolving: 

“Aligned with the technical requirements outlined by the NZC standard, there is a clear push, led by the funder community, to deliver projects that truly meet robust ESG requirements. This momentum is driving developments that not only address the carbon agenda but also incorporate a broader range of ESG metrics. These include enhancing biodiversity, creating flexible and healthy properties, and fulfilling demonstrable social value commitments.

The challenge lies in translating these commitments into actionable project delivery, design, and procurement solutions.

At Wallace Whittle, our bespoke PathWWay model offers a robust and transparent framework to design, manage, and communicate ESG requirements effectively. It ensures that developments address the needs of all key stakeholders, from funders and developers to end users.” Nick Hayes shared.

The future of the Living Sector is being shaped by an ever-increasing focus on sustainability, safety, and community-driven design. At Wallace Whittle, we remain committed to leading this evolution, leveraging our expertise across Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, and landmark residential developments throughout the UK.

With initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and updated safety regulations, we are dedicated to integrating cutting-edge ESG strategies into every project. By aligning with these transformative frameworks and maintaining a forward-thinking approach, we continue to deliver sustainable solutions that meet the needs of today while paving the way for a more resilient future.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our ESG, Residential & Living Sector experience across the UK:

Craig Robertson – Director, England & Head of Residential

Nick Hayes – Director, London & Head of ESG & Sustainability